COPD Overview

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to a group of lung conditions that affect a person’s airways. The most common conditions associated with COPD include:
  • asthmatic bronchitis
  • chronic bronchitis
  • emphysema.
These and many other conditions can contribute to COPD. All cases of COPD involve an obstruction of some kind to the airways and air sacs of the lungs that makes it more difficult to breathe.

 
COPD is very common in the United States. In fact, it is the fourth leading cause of death in the country.
 
Often, COPD can be prevented by not smoking or by quitting smoking. However, if symptoms have already begun, there is no cure. Any treatment options for the disease are simply designed to relieve symptoms and slow advancement of the condition.
 
COPD treatment options generally include:
  • medications
  • oxygen therapy
  • quitting smoking
  • rehabilitation
  • surgery.
Medications can include anything from antibiotics, to bronchodilators, to steroids. Many new medications are also making their way into mainstream COPD treatment.
 
When surgery is used as a treatment, damaged lung tissue may be removed, or a lung transplant may be necessary.
 
COPD sufferers may not exhibit symptoms in early stages of the disease. However, symptoms will eventually advance. The most common symptoms include:
  • frequent coughing
  • frequent occurrence of respiratory infections
  • increased production of mucous
  • shortness of breath and wheezing
  • tightness in the chest.
Not all COPD sufferers will experience all of these symptoms. The only way to get a definitive diagnosis is to see a doctor.
 
This section covers all aspects of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, including causes and risk factors, prevention, general information on COPD and information on how healthy lungs work.

How Healthy Lungs Work

The lungs are an organ in the body that allows for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Understanding more about how the lungs work can help people understand the effects of COPD.
 
Learn about COPD’s effects on the lungs, the airways and other parts of the lungs and how healthy lungs work.

Causes and Risk Factors

In most cases, COPD is caused by cigarette smoking. However, secondhand smoke and other types of smoke, such as cigar smoke and pipe smoke, can cause COPD. In rare cases, genetic disorders can cause COPD. Air pollution and some chemicals are also known to be causes of COPD.
 
Learn about these and other COPD causes and risk factors.

Preventing COPD

COPD prevention is usually fairly straightforward: Don’t start smoking. If you already smoke, the answer is still straightforward: Quit smoking. People can quit smoking in many different ways. Countless programs and methods exist that help people quit smoking, including:
  • hypnosis
  • nicotine gum
  • nicotine patches
  • support groups.
Not all methods work for everyone, so people should try to quit using the method that makes them the most comfortable. Quitting smoking can not only prevent COPD, but many other medical conditions. Not smoking will improve a number of health issues.
 
For those who work around chemicals or pollutants, wearing a mask can be a method of preventing COPD. 
 
Resources
 
Mayo Clinic (2007). COPD. Retrieved August 27, 2007, from the Mayo Clinic Web site: http://mayoclinic.com/health/copd/DS00916/DSECTION=1.